Slowly but surely, Walt Disney (DIS +2.30%) is preparing to reopen its vast empire of theme parks, one its biggest money makers.
Disney's Shanghai theme park opened May 11, followed by announcements that Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, will open July 11 and Disneyland in Anaheim, California, will open July 17. Disneyland Paris president Natacha Rafalski said on Monday that the European theme park will open its doors on July 15.
Proceeding with precaution
The entertainment company's announcement included details for safe operations similar to those that will be in place in other Disney parks around the globe. Some of the safety measures, which are in accordance with French guidelines, include limited capacity and advanced reservations to maintain a sparse crowd. All guests over the age of 11 will be required to wear masks, and there will be 2,000 sanitizing stations throughout the premises, including at every ride entry and exit.
Image source: Walt Disney.
Cast members, Disney's term for park workers, will be specially trained to answer questions about the new safety protocols and guide guests in the new regulations.
Disneyland Paris includes two parks, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, as well as Disney's Newport Bay Club hotel and Disney Village. All of the attractions will be operating in the parks when they reopen.
Picking up the pieces
With all of its parks closed for two months, Disney lost a major piece of its revenue. The parks and experiences segment, which includes the theme parks as well as cruise lines and resorts, is typically its largest by revenue.
